백정 or Baekjeong: Tanners, Butchers, Leather workers unite!
Michael Gallagher I know my posts are all over the place today, but I just finished reading an interesting article about Baekjeong, which was Korea’s equivalent to the untouchable caste found in…
Michael Gallagher
A Complicated War: The Harrowing of Mozambique
I am reading an excellent book about the making of modern Mozambique entitled A Complicated War: The Harrowing of Mozambique by William Finnegan. I hate to say it, but I…
Typhoid
This is the typhoid vaccine pill I am taking in preparation of my departure to South Africa. I think this type of vaccination is more designed for the neighboring countries…
Life expectancy rates
According to a WHO report, the life expectancy rate for Mozambique is 41.2 for males and 43.9 for females. If that isn’t harrowing enough, it is important to note that…
I will feel the rains down in Africa
In less than three weeks, I will be there in Durban and in Pretoria for the IFLA Conference. In preparation for the event, I have begun to take my vaccinations…
Orbits
Friends’ orbits are perpetuallyspinning like a mobile of chaosaround my head. To think they collided for so many yearsin so far a place makesme hopethey willagain.
Turned
I am turned around to you,facing you,in bed, on the couch. I am always turned towards you,away from that door, away from the train,that airport.